---
title: "Tanks and pumps — Master University | Master Services"
description: "Almost everything that makes a station run is underground: the tank, submersible pump, lines and sumps. Here we explain how those components relate and how…"
url: "https://masterservices.org/en/master-university/tanques-bombas/"
language: "en"
---

Pillar

# Tanks and pumps

Almost everything that makes a station run is underground: the tank, submersible pump, lines and sumps. Here we explain how those components relate and how to review a calibration chart, always against the design, manufacturer documentation and requirements that apply to the installation.

## A look at the tank probe

[![Original OPW 924B diagram: probe configuration in underground and aboveground tanks, with dimensions and floats; original English labels](https://masterservices.org/images/technical/opw-924b-tank-configuration-original.jpg)](https://masterservices.org/images/technical/opw-924b-tank-configuration-original.jpg)

OPW 924B · Unaltered original diagram. Tap to enlarge.

Details & source

Manufacturer reference for the 924B, with original English labels. Not a universal installation plan or a compatibility statement for other consoles. Check the applicable manual and site design before installation.

[Manufacturer documentation](https://www.opwglobal.com/products/br/electronic-systems/fuel-management-systems/tank-gauging/model-924b-probe/924b-magnetostrictive-probe)

## Articles

-   [Preventive tank maintenance: a condition- and equipment-based programHow to build a baseline, separate inspection from testing and define tasks and frequencies from applicable documentation.](https://masterservices.org/en/blog/guia-de-mantenimiento-preventivo-para-tanques-de-almacenamiento-de-combustible/)
    
-   [Underground fuel tank installation guide (PEI RP100)How to control design, receiving, excavation, anchoring, backfill, piping, testing and closeout for an underground tank system, using PEI RP100 and local requirements as separate references.](https://masterservices.org/en/blog/instalacion-tanques-subterraneos-combustible-pei-rp100/)
    
-   [Oil/water separator (API separator) at fuel stations: operation, cleaning, and MIAMBIENTE complianceHow to inspect and maintain an oil-water separator based on design, loading, levels and its manual, without treating API 421 or a generic interval as local certification.](https://masterservices.org/en/blog/separador-hidrocarburos-api-mantenimiento-panama/)
    
-   [Fuel-station sumps and spill buckets: safe reviewHow these components differ, what to document, and how to respond to a possible release signal without inventing Panama inspection intervals or reporting thresholds.](https://masterservices.org/en/blog/sumps-spill-buckets-estaciones-combustible-panama/)
    

## Recommended videos

External resources. They open on YouTube.

[![What Actually Happens Underground at a Gas Station](https://masterservices.org/images/university/6JG0xcFGi24.jpg)

What Actually Happens Underground at a Gas Station

Practical Engineering](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JG0xcFGi24)

[![The Hidden Engineering of Gas Stations](https://masterservices.org/images/university/UeuA4QO7L3k.jpg)

The Hidden Engineering of Gas Stations

YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UeuA4QO7L3k)

## Glossary

STP (submersible turbine pump)

Submersible Turbine Pump. A centrifugal pump inside the tank that pressurizes fuel and pushes it to the dispensers when a customer fuels up.

Sump

A liquid-tight box over the tank or under the dispenser. It contains possible spills and protects the pump-to-pipe connections from the ground.

Drop tube

A vertical pipe inside the tank through which the tanker truck discharges fuel. It houses the valve that stops filling at 95%.

Interstitial space

The gap between the inner and outer wall of a double-walled tank or pipe. Sensors placed there detect a leak before it reaches the ground.

## Does your station meet the standard?

Schedule an evaluation with a specialist who knows your station and Panama’s regulations.

[Request an evaluation](https://masterservices.org/en/contacto/#contacto-form)

![Conceptual engraving of a fuel station](https://masterservices.org/images/editorial/university-engraving-720.webp)

Conceptual illustration

Image details

AI-assisted editorial engraving. Not a photograph of a Master Services project.

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